From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 270: Calculated Alliance

Lucas' congratulatory remark acted as a trigger, jolting every guest back to their senses.

They rushed forward one after another to offer their well-wishes and blessings.

"Congratulations, Mr. Torres! Wishing you a joyous upcoming wedding!"

"Be sure to invite us all to your wedding celebration!"

"Truly marvelous news—tremendous success in both career and love!"

The lively chorus of congratulations only amplified Sophia's humiliation, leaving her feeling like a ridiculous clown isolated in the corner.

She could not bear to stay a moment longer.

"Excuse me... I need to step out to the restroom." Sophia forced the words out through gritted teeth, unable to meet Lucas' gaze as she fled the lounge in utter mortification.

Confusion and resentment swirled endlessly in Sophia's mind.

Why has Sebastian treated me with such unrelenting coldness?

Who is this mysterious fiancée he has announced?

What kind of woman could win the exclusive affection and protection of a man standing at the very top of the social pyramid?

As she was lost in her bitter rumination, a male voice laced with undisguised mockery sounded from behind her. "Ms. Myers, how does it feel to throw yourself at someone only to be coldly shut down?"

Sophia's body went rigid. She spun around sharply to find Aiden leaning casually against the wall, watching her with a smirk that held nothing but open ridicule.

"I have no idea what you're implying, Mr. Quinn," Sophia replied, forcing a calm composure she did not feel.

"Oh, really?" Aiden sauntered slowly over to stop directly in front of her. "Let's speak plainly. What exactly are you chasing? The title of Mrs. Ashford? Or the thrill of conquering an unattainable elite like Sebastian Torres?"

He leaned in closer, his smirk turning sharp and malicious. "Or perhaps your ambitions run higher—you want both?"

Aiden's words pierced straight through Sophia's hidden aspirations.

Her expression twisted with irritation as she dropped the gentle, poised facade she always maintained. "Did you follow me out here just to mock me?"

"Not in the slightest." Aiden's smile faded, a shrewd, calculating glint flickering in his eyes. "I came to propose a mutually beneficial partnership."

"Partnership?" Sophia eyed him with clear wariness.

"Precisely." Aiden took a slow sip of his wine, his gaze deep and unfathomable. "You heard Mr. Torres announce his engagement just now. But what if I told you this so-called fiancée is merely a decoy?"

Sophia's eyes flared wide with shock.

Aiden curved his lips into a knowing smile, revealing more of his scheme. "The woman he truly holds dear... is Riley Harper."

Sophia's mind went blank in an instant; she was stripped of all ability to think rationally.

She blurted out in shock, "I don't believe this! It's impossible! They have never even crossed paths!"

She could not accept that the man she had chased relentlessly, the untouchable Sebastian, had set his heart on someone like Riley.

"How can you be certain they've never met? They have simply kept their connection perfectly hidden. After all, one is a married woman, and the other is Sebastian Torres," Aiden asked coolly.

He stoked her jealousy further, leaning in to whisper another secret, "Let me share one more thing with you. When Riley was cornered and schemed against at the Cedar Creek construction site, do you know who rescued her unharmed?"

Sophia stared at him fixedly, every nerve taut with tension.

Aiden enunciated each word clearly, "It was Sebastian."

It felt as if a thunderclap exploded inside Sophia's head, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.

All the confusing little details she could never piece together suddenly clicked into place.

Why Sebastian had subtly defended Riley in public.

Why he had ordered her wine swapped for fresh juice.

Why he had rushed to dismiss idle gossip and fabricate an engagement the moment rumors spread.

Everything traced back to Riley.

Raw shock crashed over her, followed by a tidal wave of raging jealousy that threatened to consume her sanity.

What does Riley have that I lack?

In family background, appearance, and grace, I outshine Riley entirely.

Riley is nothing but a stubborn, work-obsessed dullard with no romantic charm whatsoever.

How could she possibly draw Sebastian's attention?

Sophia's nails dug sharply into her palm.

Yet she was no naive fool.

Aiden had no reason to reveal such explosive secrets out of kindness.

His deliberate provocation hid his own ulterior motives.

She forced the vicious jealousy from her features, leveling a guarded gaze at him. "Even if what you say is true. What benefit could a partnership with you bring me?"

"Benefit?" Aiden straightened his posture, his smile turning enigmatic. "You gain what you desire, and I gain what I desire."

Sophia narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What exactly do you want?"

Aiden refused to give a direct answer, swirling the red wine in his glass playfully with a teasing smile. "Why don't you take a guess?"